I have a close friend… who was always a bit different from my other friends.
Besides his better characteristics which drew him to be a part of my circle of friends,
he also had some disturbing qualities which tend to make me frown and ask him to stop it.
He was sometimes angry at the world.
Violent (but that has calmed down, thank god).
And occasionally reacted to situations in a way different from how most of us would.
When we got closer, he confided in me a very personal piece of information about himself.
That he was abused as a child.
Needless to say, I was shocked.
I *know* about child abuse… but i never *knew* anyone who had been abused!
Sometimes i forget how fortunate i am.
I’m encapsulated in a safe bubble and world of loving family and friends,
work that i love, traveling,
and a slightly more materialistic side of life – fashion.
Being surrounded by people who are as equally privileged as i am,
i sometimes forget that there are many out there who didn’t receive the same love, treatment, and education we did.
As we get older, we learn more things.
And we have the power to change certain things,
or shut our eyes to them.
We can’t change the past.
I can’t change my friend’s past.
But we can make an effort to prevent child abuse that’s happening today,
and alter these innocent children’s future.
What DEFINES child abuse?
Neglect – failure to provide for a child’s basic needs
Physical abuse – punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, stabbing, choking, or otherwise harming a child.
Sexual abuse – fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
Emotional abuse – constant criticism, threats, rejection as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
[source]
In Malaysia, the reported number of cases for child abuse has been rapidly rising.
In 2006, there were 1,999 cases reported.
In 2007, there were 2,279 cases reported.
In 2008, there were 2,780 cases reported.
And these are not counting the ones which go UNREPORTED.
So these statistics could just be the tip of the iceberg.
Unicef has launched the Get On Board campaign,
to provide the Malaysian public with the knowledge, insights and resources to stop child abuse.
The press con was in 1U last week:
Asha Gill + Naz Rahman emceed the event
This cute little bus came around the corner,
full of kiddies who were moving it – Flintstone style!
The bus signifies for everyone to Get On Board and express commitment and support to end child abuse and neglect.
Pledge to raise hands and be counted in support of a study to understand the scope and severity of child abuse in Malaysia.
Journey to learn and better understand child abuse and neglect,
and how to prevent it.
Make child protection and safety our business.
The campaign is aimed at uniting 100,000 supporters
to raise their hand in support of the children.
Just click on:
And raise your hand by submitting your
– full name
– ic number
– email
That’s it!
Unicef hopes the Malaysian public will embrace this campaign as their own,
and support and promote it in their own unique ways to ensure a safe and protected childhood for every child in Malaysia.
Do your bit by spreading the word on Facebook, Twitter or your blog.
Even a small update will make a difference in spreading the word to your followers/readers.
xxx
thank you for blogging about this ! will share this later ๐